Havens and Shimkonis are paired for both their similarities and their contrasts. Both use color photography to address the issues of space and the effects of humans on that space, be it subtle or harsh beautiful or destructive. These works do not document man at work, but instead capture the aftermath.

Mark Havens’ work explores areas outside of Philadelphia- the suburban townships and New Jersey landscape; edges of humanity that are most easily recaptured by nature. Interiors and exteriors are both on display chronicling what we do, how we live and where we retreat. Havens captures a Hopper-like silence- a palpable absence of sound. It is not a natural peace but a quiet only achieved by pushing away noise and activity.

By contrast, the body of work by Seth Shimkonis focuses on the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia. Shimkonis is a resident of the neighborhood and his work offers up a loving devotion to this part of town, recording both the beautiful, worn paths of this established community and the subtle shifts that his home undergoes, be it by weather or light or time. His work is a visual poem dedicated to his urban surroundings.

The artists’ reception will be held on June 4 from 7:00-10:00PM at 2424 E. York St in Philadelphia located between Gaul and Cedar Sts.

While the gallery does not maintain regular summer hours, visits can be scheduled by appointment. Please e-mail us at artspaceliberti@gmail.com to arrange a visit.artspace liberti is a multi-discipline arts venue organized and maintained by liberti church east.

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Performing at the reception will be Turning Violet Violet, described by the Philadelphia Weekly as “an indie outfit around a couple of years now that merges chamber-pop, jazzy textures, and quirky, literate storytelling in sharp and elegant arrangements.”Also performing will be singer-songwriter, Old Love.